Thousands protest as British lawmakers approve tuition hike plan

 

London -- British lawmakers approved a controversial plan to cut the government's massive debt by tripling the tuition rates charged by universities.
Lawmakers debated the proposal for most of the day while thousands of demonstrators have converged on Parliament to urge their elected leaders to vote down the measure. The government is seeking to raise the cap on tuition fees charged by British universities from £3,000 to £9,000.
In U.S. dollars, that's a nearly $10,000 increase -- from roughly $4,700 to $14,000.
In recent weeks, the proposal has spawned multiple public protests, set off tremors within the nation's coalition government and prompted a back-seat revolt among some Liberal Democrats in Parliament.
Liberal Democrats are lesser partners in a coalition government ruled by Conservatives.

The London protest started out peacefully Thursday, but grew more tense with the winding down of debate in the House of Commons. By late afternoon, police on horseback attempted to push back throngs of protesters moving on Parliament.
Students reacted by throwing sticks and setting off fireworks.
At least three police officers were injured: one was hospitalized after falling from his horse, another suffered a serious neck injury after being knocked unconscious, the Metropolitan Police said. No details were given on the third officer. The police service announced that seven protesters had been arrested and that six protesters had been injured.
Sixteen other people were also injured, and three people have been arrested, authorities said.
Protest organizers had urged demonstrators to show restraint. Earlier this month, police arrested a total of 153 people following another protest at Trafalgar Square during which students damaged a police van, set small fires and spray painted and smashed government building windows.
One final-year student, standing in front of police lines outside Parliamen on Thursday, told CNN he was there out of solidarity for students who may be priced out of a place at university. "We're all here because we're passionate about this. We feel betrayed," he said.
Another protester screamed, "Nick Clegg ... you're a sellout! You have betrayed us!"
The protester was referring to the British deputy prime minister and Liberal Democratic Party architect of the coalition government. The government is headed by Prime Minister David Cameron, a conservative.
Clegg supports the tuition increase plan. At least a dozen other party members, including deputy party leader Simon Hughes, said they oppose it.
Supporters say the tuition cap hike is needed to help pay down the government's massive debt. They argue that the increase is not mandatory, that universities would not be bound to charge university students the full £9,000.
Under the new plan, students wouldn't have to start paying off their school loans until they begin earning at least £21,000, about $32,600, a year.

Students currently must start paying off their loans once they reach a £15,000 (roughly $23,300) threshold.